Virtuware has introduced StagePass, a paid monthly subscription for StageTime on Meta Quest, offering in-game currency, exclusive outfits and a consent-based desktop streaming feature while keeping the core platform free
Virtuware has launched StagePass, a new monthly subscription for StageTime, its free social VR platform on Meta Quest. StagePass is positioned as an optional upgrade, providing members with a monthly allowance of 2,200 StageBucks, exclusive outfit packs, access to desktop streaming in the Loft environment, a unique profile badge and the promise of further member benefits in future updates. The subscription is priced at £8.99 in the UK, €9.99 in supported European markets and $10.99 in the US, with the first month featuring the Black Knight and Elven Adventurer outfit packs.
Subscription Features and Pricing
StagePass is designed to add value without restricting existing social features for non-subscribers. The monthly StageBucks allocation nearly matches the US subscription price, with additional perks such as exclusive avatar outfits and desktop streaming access layered on top. StageTime itself remains free to download and play, and the new subscription is entirely optional. The launch coincides with a major expansion of the in-game Shop, which now offers a broader range of clothing items and complete outfits, alongside a redesigned interface for easier browsing and previewing.
Desktop Streaming and Safety Controls
One of StagePass's headline features is the ability to initiate desktop streaming sessions within StageTime's Loft environment. This function is built around explicit viewer consent and automated safety checks. When a stream begins, viewers must request access to see the desktop feed, and the streamer can approve each request individually or enable an Auto Approve setting. Automated content checks are performed both at the start of a stream and whenever a new viewer is approved. If a viewer reports a suspected violation, an additional review is triggered. Streams found to contain adult or harmful content can be removed within seconds, and repeated violations result in escalating restrictions, including permanent loss of streaming privileges. Importantly, these controls apply to the shared desktop feed rather than creating private rooms, so StageTime's public spaces remain discoverable and open.
Platform Safety and Community Focus
StageTime is structured around public performances, conversations and community events, with no support for private rooms, NSFW content or user-generated avatars and worlds. Existing safety tools include personal-space protection, instant kick and mute controls, an accessible reporting system and VoicePatrol, which can automatically mute problematic voice activity. The platform currently holds a 4.6-star rating from over 1,300 Meta Quest users. Virtuware's approach aims to balance sustainability with the platform's original community-driven ethos, ensuring that core social features remain accessible to all users while offering tangible monthly rewards to subscribers.
Availability and Ongoing Development
StagePass and the expanded Shop are available now within StageTime on Meta Quest. The subscription is not required to access the main platform, which remains free. Virtuware has indicated that additional clothing, monthly outfit packs and further StagePass benefits are in development. For those interested in how other simulation and management games are expanding their offerings, the recent announcement of Supermarket Simulator for Nintendo Switch 2 provides another example of evolving live-service models in the genre, as detailed in this coverage of its upcoming release.
Understanding live-service subscriptions like StagePass requires recognising how optional paid tiers can support ongoing development without fragmenting the player base. By offering cosmetic rewards, in-game currency and new features while keeping the core experience free, developers can maintain accessibility and community cohesion. Consent-based streaming and robust safety systems are increasingly important as social VR platforms grow, ensuring that new features do not compromise user trust or platform integrity.
